ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY 275 



strawberries. Flocks fly to fields sown with sainfoin, turnip, 

 etc., and clear out all the seed; they also fly to new sowings 

 in forests and do endless harm. In return they feed on weed 

 seeds and feed their young on insects of all kinds. 



The Hawfinch {Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pallas) is one of those 

 birds about which there is sure to be difference of opinion in 

 regard to killing it, owing to its supposed rarity. In reality 

 it is not only very common in many parts of Britain, but is 

 very much on the increase: even as far back as 1892 this was 

 noticed by Archibald (5, p. 80). That it does a large amount of 

 damage to green peas every one acknowledges ; it also attacks 

 apples and pears for the pips ; whilst damsons and nuts suffer 

 largely from it. Certainly it takes large numbers of caterpillars 

 and other insects, chiefly for its young. Mr. Archibald considers 

 it a pity to destroy it owing to the latter fact, but those who 

 suffer from its inroads think differently. There certainly does 

 not seem any evidence to entitle it to the protection afforded 

 it by some county councils. 



The Linnet (Acanthis cannabma, Linn.) is often harmful 

 in hop gardens with the Greenfinch. When present in large 

 numbers it becomes a great pest, feeding on turnip, swede, 

 rape, cabbage seed, and also where the crop is grown for seed. 

 Flax and hemp are especially destroyed. Numerous weed seeds 

 are also eaten and numerous insects. The general opinion 

 seems to be that the bird may be encouraged except in occasional 

 circumstances. 



Neither of our two common Buntings — the Yellow-hammer 

 (Emberiza citrinella, Linn.) nor the Corn Bunting {E. miliaria, 

 Linn.) — are of any special economic account : both take a certain 

 amount of corn, but feed mainly on weed seeds and insects. 



The Skylark {Alauda arvensis, Linn.), although it takes a certain 

 amount of corn, has the balance in its favour, for it is most helpful 

 as an insect-checker, including wireworms. Charlock, knot-grass, 

 and chickweed seeds are eaten in large quantities. Archibald 

 (5) P- 73) sa y s : " Seed-corn, especially autumn-sown wheat, both 

 before and after sprouting, possesses great attractions for it, 

 but it is only in exceptional cases that the crop is materially 

 injured in consequence." According to Slater (2), very little 

 grain is taken, and then only that left uncovered. It is in hard 

 weather that larks become a serious nuisance, for they will then 

 strip whole fields and gardens of winter greens. 



